Robert Irwin Struggles To Hold Back Tears While Discussing The Impact Of The Australian Bushfires
As the whole world is watching the devastating bushfires ablaze in Australia from afar, some people are facing terror in real-time. And while firefighters give it all they’ve got to fight the terrors and save as much of the stunning Australian wildlife as they can, the impact is still so huge it could be difficult for one to wrap their head around it. The son of “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Robert, tried explaining the real scale of the damage done by the wildfire with his mom Terri and had a hard time holding back his tears while his mom spoke about the impact on the vulnerable koala population. Since half a billion animals were potentially lost in the Australian bushfires, the Irwin family has already helped over 90,000 animals.
Terri and Robert Irwin spoke with Sunrise, trying to explain the real impact of the bushfires on the Australian wildlife
“Being able to treat and help koalas is few and far between because they’re basically incinerated”
Terri Irwin chats about the devastating impact of Australia’s bushfires on our vulnerable koala population.
More on this story: https://t.co/Im1bLS9oZj pic.twitter.com/9a5EqQlivR
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) January 5, 2020
There’s a widely-reported estimate that Australia has already lost almost half a billion animals in the bushfires devastating the country. Hundreds of thousands of native animals have been killed or heavily injured. Many people across the country try to aid the injured animals, with zoos and veterinary clinics in the front lines. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital team is among them as well, despite being almost two thousand kilometers away from the fire zone. “We’re able to offer a safe haven for wildlife needing help,” Terri Irwin told Sunrise. Her son Robert continued saying they’re seeing all kinds of different injuries. They are currently attending to possums, birds, koalas, platypus and many other types of animals being looked after at the purpose-built facility.
While his mom was explaining the current state of the koala population, 16-year-old Robert had a hard time holding back tears
The two explained that smoke inhalation and burns are happening frequently, but also animals are going into areas where they’re not supposed to be to escape the horrific conditions. This means they’re getting hit by cars and are being attacked by domestic animals, so there’s a horrific knock-on effect. They also felt really concerned about the koala population. “Koala instinct is to go up, as safety is in the top of the tree,” Terri explained. “Eucalyptus trees have so much oil that they ignite and actually explode in a fire. That means being able to treat and help koalas is few and far between because they’re basically incinerated.”
Apparently, it could be necessary to enlist koalas as endangered species after this devastating event
The late Steve Irwin’s 16-year-old son Robert was having a hard time holding back the tears as his mom elaborated on the situation of the koala population saying, “We’re just trying to do our best to help in any way we can, but it’s an absolutely horrific situation. We’re heartbroken.” One of the firefighters working in the fire zone, Damian Campbell-Davys, saw the situation and said: “Kangaroos can hop away, but koalas can’t escape.”
The people of the Internet admired his sincere reaction
1.2Mviews
Share on FacebookIt is heartbreaking indeed, and also absolutely terrifying. "About 12.35 million acres of land have burned across Australia, according to the Associated Press." That is 50,000 square kilometers or around a 25% larger area than the whole country of Switzerland or the Netherlands.
Load More Replies...Climate change is a contributing to these devastating fires. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, it produces 30-45% of all greenhouse gases (vs all planes, cars and other transportation combined produces only 13% of GHG:s). Switching to a plant-based diet is the single most powerful thing anyone can do for our planet, for the animals (both wild and domesticated), for humanity and for their own health. Going vegan is easier than ever, please consider doing it for yourself and all other living beings. Even reducing your animal product consumption helps, every little step helps. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/08/opinions/go-vegan-save-the-planet-w**g/index.html
I agree with your comment about reducing animal consumption. All this really boils down to not being wasteful. We shouldn't have to cut meat out of our diet, just cut how much we are wasting and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. It's appalling how much food is thrown away on a daily basis her in America. We way over feed people and either expect them to eat it all and be fat cows or we throw it away when they can't.
Load More Replies...He is so much like his dad, in so many incredible ways! I'm a little over 8,000 miles away and all I can do is donate what little money I have and send my prays, love and light to everyone (as well as every animal) in Australia.
There’s many smaller wildlife rescues who could use your donation :) if you prefer. This one is local to me https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
Load More Replies...Another concern I haven't heard from anyone else is that what happens to the Koalas when their habitat is destroyed. What will they eat if there are no eucalyptus trees. As I understand it, there are only a few varieties of the eucalyptus that the Koala will even eat. I pray for these vulnerable little creatures. I have held one in my arms and do so in my heart to this day
How can we help to Australia? It is not alright...every time when is something bad happening somewhere and I want to help somehow it is not possible because I don't have a money to send. I have only myself, my time and energy...
Contact your local politician about their climate policy. In the next few years we will be hearing the same story over and over and about people, too, unless we change the script.
Load More Replies...My heart goes out to all the victimized animals.😰 What a terrible sacrifice for us to learn the obvious lesson. We’ve been warned for years. I just hope even stupid Aussies, who re-elected the Morrison government, now realize what’s really happening and regret … only after killing a billion animals and destroying the environment big time. “Every nation has the government it deserves.” AwfulStralia doesn't deserve that part of the planet.🤬 And this may well be just the beginning of the end.
I pray that Americans will be smarter this time around.
Load More Replies...My friend, in Australia is driving endless miles, every day, rescuing animals. The photo is his brand new Tesla filled with pet carriers. A koala died in his car a few days ago. CheeWei-5e...999225.jpg
It’s horrible, what’s happening. Of course climate change is a factor as are fossil fuels. I would have thought, with their climate, Australia would be a world leader in solar technology, etc. I’m sorry, but that’s the way to go. Of course koalas need to be registered as endangered. It’s incredible so many have been rescued!
How is this climate change when 24 people where arrested for starting the fires?
Load More Replies...This is awful and devastating. I'm just shocked that even after all that has happened as a result of climate change that people still say "it's not real." In fact, just yesterday I was talking to this woman who said: "everything that is happening in Australia is awful, but I guess it's just mother nature taking her course." I just don't understand how anybody could possibly be that oblivious.
This is climate change. The arson story was pushed by bots. It's fake news.
Load More Replies...Can we change the images of having Koalas "drink" from bottles since that is not the way they naturally drink & insert an image of how they drink naturally? (a safe way to offer them water.) Thank you
If you reading this, hopefully you sent a few bucks to the Wildlife Warriors. With all the Pandas out there even a dollar per Panda would add up quickly xoxo
Climate change is not to blame for these fires the soulless murderers who set these fires are and I hope their punishment is they are set on fire !
So Heartbreaking and devastating...this is their reality and it is truly unbelievable and so very difficult to digest :( Sending White Lights <3 <3 <3
WARNING! "Bots and trolls spread false arson claims in Australian fires ‘disinformation campaign’ Online posts exaggerating the role of arson are being used to undermine the link between bushfires and climate change" https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/twitter-bots-trolls-australian-bushfires-social-media-disinformation-campaign-false-claims
Load More Replies...WARNING! "Bots and trolls spread false arson claims in Australian fires ‘disinformation campaign’ Online posts exaggerating the role of arson are being used to undermine the link between bushfires and climate change" https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/twitter-bots-trolls-australian-bushfires-social-media-disinformation-campaign-false-claims
Load More Replies...If they're already devastated from natural disasters, they're going to need some protection from hunters, too.
Load More Replies...It is heartbreaking indeed, and also absolutely terrifying. "About 12.35 million acres of land have burned across Australia, according to the Associated Press." That is 50,000 square kilometers or around a 25% larger area than the whole country of Switzerland or the Netherlands.
Load More Replies...Climate change is a contributing to these devastating fires. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, it produces 30-45% of all greenhouse gases (vs all planes, cars and other transportation combined produces only 13% of GHG:s). Switching to a plant-based diet is the single most powerful thing anyone can do for our planet, for the animals (both wild and domesticated), for humanity and for their own health. Going vegan is easier than ever, please consider doing it for yourself and all other living beings. Even reducing your animal product consumption helps, every little step helps. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/08/opinions/go-vegan-save-the-planet-w**g/index.html
I agree with your comment about reducing animal consumption. All this really boils down to not being wasteful. We shouldn't have to cut meat out of our diet, just cut how much we are wasting and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. It's appalling how much food is thrown away on a daily basis her in America. We way over feed people and either expect them to eat it all and be fat cows or we throw it away when they can't.
Load More Replies...He is so much like his dad, in so many incredible ways! I'm a little over 8,000 miles away and all I can do is donate what little money I have and send my prays, love and light to everyone (as well as every animal) in Australia.
There’s many smaller wildlife rescues who could use your donation :) if you prefer. This one is local to me https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
Load More Replies...Another concern I haven't heard from anyone else is that what happens to the Koalas when their habitat is destroyed. What will they eat if there are no eucalyptus trees. As I understand it, there are only a few varieties of the eucalyptus that the Koala will even eat. I pray for these vulnerable little creatures. I have held one in my arms and do so in my heart to this day
How can we help to Australia? It is not alright...every time when is something bad happening somewhere and I want to help somehow it is not possible because I don't have a money to send. I have only myself, my time and energy...
Contact your local politician about their climate policy. In the next few years we will be hearing the same story over and over and about people, too, unless we change the script.
Load More Replies...My heart goes out to all the victimized animals.😰 What a terrible sacrifice for us to learn the obvious lesson. We’ve been warned for years. I just hope even stupid Aussies, who re-elected the Morrison government, now realize what’s really happening and regret … only after killing a billion animals and destroying the environment big time. “Every nation has the government it deserves.” AwfulStralia doesn't deserve that part of the planet.🤬 And this may well be just the beginning of the end.
I pray that Americans will be smarter this time around.
Load More Replies...My friend, in Australia is driving endless miles, every day, rescuing animals. The photo is his brand new Tesla filled with pet carriers. A koala died in his car a few days ago. CheeWei-5e...999225.jpg
It’s horrible, what’s happening. Of course climate change is a factor as are fossil fuels. I would have thought, with their climate, Australia would be a world leader in solar technology, etc. I’m sorry, but that’s the way to go. Of course koalas need to be registered as endangered. It’s incredible so many have been rescued!
How is this climate change when 24 people where arrested for starting the fires?
Load More Replies...This is awful and devastating. I'm just shocked that even after all that has happened as a result of climate change that people still say "it's not real." In fact, just yesterday I was talking to this woman who said: "everything that is happening in Australia is awful, but I guess it's just mother nature taking her course." I just don't understand how anybody could possibly be that oblivious.
This is climate change. The arson story was pushed by bots. It's fake news.
Load More Replies...Can we change the images of having Koalas "drink" from bottles since that is not the way they naturally drink & insert an image of how they drink naturally? (a safe way to offer them water.) Thank you
If you reading this, hopefully you sent a few bucks to the Wildlife Warriors. With all the Pandas out there even a dollar per Panda would add up quickly xoxo
Climate change is not to blame for these fires the soulless murderers who set these fires are and I hope their punishment is they are set on fire !
So Heartbreaking and devastating...this is their reality and it is truly unbelievable and so very difficult to digest :( Sending White Lights <3 <3 <3
WARNING! "Bots and trolls spread false arson claims in Australian fires ‘disinformation campaign’ Online posts exaggerating the role of arson are being used to undermine the link between bushfires and climate change" https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/twitter-bots-trolls-australian-bushfires-social-media-disinformation-campaign-false-claims
Load More Replies...WARNING! "Bots and trolls spread false arson claims in Australian fires ‘disinformation campaign’ Online posts exaggerating the role of arson are being used to undermine the link between bushfires and climate change" https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/twitter-bots-trolls-australian-bushfires-social-media-disinformation-campaign-false-claims
Load More Replies...If they're already devastated from natural disasters, they're going to need some protection from hunters, too.
Load More Replies...
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